Tagged: adam kennedy

As recently as this morning the Chicago Cub’s bench was the biggest weakness on the roster. This evening, however, it now seems to be a strength.

Xavier Nady was signed to provide right-handed pop and to be a platoon partner for Kosuke Fukudome in right field. Nady was a full-time player from 2005 through 2008 and posted increasing home run and RBI numbers during each of those years. Nady entered last year as the Yankee’s right fielder but was limited to 7 games before needing Tommy John surgery which ended his season. Nady has played the outfield corners and first base during his career. His signing already put Micah Hoffpauir’s job in jeopardy as they play the same positions but that was just the beginning of the Cub’s busy day.

Chad Tracy signed a minor league deal with the Cubs later this evening to further improve Chicago’s bench. Tracy plays the infield corners and, like Hoffpauir, bats left-handed. Tracy broke into the Majors with three good seasons for the Diamondbacks from 2004 to 2006 as the team’s third baseman. 2007 began Tracy’s string of injury-plagued seasons which opened the door for Mark Reynolds to take over at third base. 2009 was the worst season of Tracy’s career and he will look to bounce back. The Cubs will hope a more defined role helps him get back on track at the plate.

After these two moves the Cub’s bench projects as follows:

Koyie Hill- C

Chad Tracy- 1B/3B

Andres Blanco- 2B/SS

Jeff Baker- UT

Xavier Nady- OF

Today’s additions make Micah Hoffpauir expendable but his value is low. If Nady proves to not be fully recovered from Tommy John surgery, Hoffpauir may be given another chance as a pinch hitter. Jeff Baker will get a lot of playing time at second base in a platoon with Mike Fontenot but the team has been linked to other second basemen including Orlando Hudson and Adam Kennedy. An Orlando Hudson addition would give Lou Piniella the luxury of keeping Baker in a super-utility role which is most valuable for the team. Either way, Jim Hendry was able improve the Cubs through adding quality depth without having to over-spend, and given their current payroll situation, that makes for a pretty good day.

Adam LaRoche and Jose Valverde have signed while Bengie Molina is seemingly next to leave the free agent market. The rest of the players out there will need to seriously start thinking about lowering their salary demands before more and more jobs are filled. Here’s the top three remaining free agents at each position.

Catcher:

Yorvit Torrealba, 31- The Giants would be the best fit for him.

Rod Barajas, 34- Cleveland and Houston may have openings behind the plate.

Jose Molina, 35- Still may head back to the Bronx to catch for A.J. Burnett.

1st Base:

Russell Branyan, 34- Another 1 year deal will be his only option.

Carlos Delgado, 38- Re-signing with the Mets is his best option.

Xavier Nady, 31- The M’s would be a perfect fit to play some 1st, left and DH.

2nd Base:

Orlando Hudson, 32- It will come down to the Cubs and Nats.

Felipe Lopez, 30- 2nd base for the Dodgers or 3rd base for the Cardinals.